IPL 2026: DC Planning Captaincy Change – Rahul or Faf in the Race?

Delhi Capitals Likely to Change Captain Ahead of IPL 2026: Axar Patel to Step Down

With significant changes expected prior to IPL 2026, the Delhi Capitals (DC) are reportedly making arrangements for a leadership change. According to reports, Axar Patel is likely to resign from the roll of captain, as the franchise is interested in selecting a captain with more experience.

Axar Patel’s Time as DC Captain

Before the 2025 IPL season, the Delhi Capitals made Axar Patel captain after Rishabh Pant’s unexpected switch to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). A lot of fans thought KL Rahul would be captain, but he said no, so Axar got the job.

Axar started out great, winning the first four games. But Delhi slowed down and just missed the playoffs by a single point.

• Runs Scored (IPL 2025): 263 runs in 11 innings (SR: 157.48)
• Wickets Taken (IPL 2025): 5 wickets in 11 matches (Economy: 8.47)

Even though he did okay himself, some people wondered about his strategy, making DC think about other options.

Also Read: Top 4 bowlers with 550-plus wickets in T20 cricket

DC’s Possible Captaincy Options for IPL 2026

If the rumors are true, Delhi Capitals are looking to appoint a new captain to their team. Some probable candidates are:

• KL Rahul: A seasoned IPL leader, however, his position at LSG might be a problem.
• Faf du Plessis: The experienced skipper with a solid leadership record.
• Tristan Stubbs: The younger, long-term prospect who can be developed into the position.

Still, no formal announcement has been made by Axar or the team.

Axar Patel Stripped of India’s T20I Vice-Captaincy

Axar Patel’s leadership issues are not restricted to the IPL. As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches (it begins September 9, 2023), he has been stripped of the vice-captaincy of the Indian T20I side.

• New T20I Captain: Suryakumar Yadav
• Vice-Captain: Shubman Gill

Gill’s promotion only cements his future leader credentials in all formats, after an exceptional Test series in England where he amassed an impressive 754 runs with four centuries.

Axar, on the other hand, is still an important all-rounder and was crucial to India’s T20 World Cup 2024 victory.

Heading into the IPL 2026, one of the biggest things the Delhi Capitals need to figure out is who’s going to be captain. Everyone thinks Axar Patel will keep doing his thing as an all-rounder, but the team might want a new leader. Someone who’s really sharp with tactics and knows how to handle the pressure of big games.

DC could go with an experienced player like KL Rahul or Faf du Plessis. Or they might pick a younger guy like Tristan Stubbs. Either way, who they choose is going to really shape how their IPL 2026 goes.